Onboard Sound demands from CPU?

M

Marzeth

New Member
I have a game that is crashing due to sound issues and I had to lower my sound hardware acceleration settings just to be able to play it.

Does onboard sound demand processing power from the CPU?
If I got a PCI Sound Card would overall computer performance improve?

I'm looking into Sound Cards, but I really don't know much about them.
What I'm basically looking for is the following:
A. 7.1 ready, even though I'll initially use 2.1 speakers. At a later time, I'll move up to 5.1 or 7.1.
Not as important but a plus!
B. Line-Out, or something equivalent, to plug to my Receiver for when I watch my PC on my TV.
C. Line-In to plug my guitar.

Any advice? Please, I need saving.
 
Onboard sound does use up CPU usage, and getting a PCI sound card may improve game performance slightly (1-2fps possibly), but may also stop the crashing problem.

If your on a very low budget, something like the AudigySE 7.1 would be good, but an X-Fi or Audigy 2ZS would be the best.
 
I know I can always trust in an OMEGA post. I've heard of X-Fi's, apparently they are pretty much up there when it comes to video cards. I'll be looking into that, but will most likely stay within the lower to mid ranges. Thanks again OMEGA!

Anyone else has anything to suggest or did OMEGA hit the spot?
 
AWESOME!
I can't wait to get home and install my new Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Extreme Music Sound Card!
Woohoooo!
And then change my Signature!
Woohoooo!
I almost have no more Signature space either!
Woohoooo!

...i... ...thought i'd share my excitement... ...with you guys...
...thanks.
 
Sounds good! I used to have an X-Fi, and it was a great upgrade from an Audigy 2ZS. I really like the new CMSS-3D feature that they upgraded, since with the X-Fi, if you use headphones you can tell where the sound is coming from much clearer then with previous sound cards.
 
Thanks OMEGA! I totally went with your selection. After some searching, I did find out it's a very decent Sound Card.
I'll let you know how it worked after I try it.
 
Impr3ssiv3 said:
im getting the Audigy2 ZS in my new build

have you heard if thats any good OMEGA
Click to expand...

I also had that card (one of the perks about buying and selling various parts). It was a very nice upgrade from onboard, or a SB Live!. But I found that the upgrade from the Audigy 2ZS to the X-Fi was greater then from the Live! to the Audigy 2ZS.

I would say that the Audigy 2 ZS is a great card, but if you can afford it, go with the X-Fi.
 
well i already bought it so im stuck with it for awhile

but it should last me for awhile with my music listening and everything(loud music)
 
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